Sun Burn Safety Tips

on June 27, 2011

Sunscreen Here, There, and Everywhere

People commonly think they only need to wear sunscreen on exposed skin. Not true. If you can see light coming through your t-shirt when you hold it up to the sun, that means UV rays are reaching your skin when you wear it. Err on the side of caution and spread sunscreen (at least SPF 15) even underneath your clothes.

A good rule of thumb is to go through at least a full bottle of sunscreen every year. If you’re not, you’re probably not applying it enough. But if you happen to have leftovers from season to season, heed the expiration date. It does lose its effectiveness, typically after two years. Also, it’s fine to carry your sunscreen in your purse for touch-ups, but don’t leave it in a hot spot for hours, which can break down the active ingredients and make them less potent.

Keep Your Lotion Up-to-Date

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Sun Burn Safety Tips

Before you head out into the summer sun, take these tips to heart.

Reapply! Reapply! Reapply!

According to one recent study, a whopping 70 percent of Americans do not reapply sunscreen when they are outdoors for long periods. Add a water activity to the mix and we’d bet even more people would cop to being lax about reapplication. Use a broad-spectrum protector that has a water-repelling formula to help the lotion adhere to and effectively protect wet or sweaty skin.

You Can Burn Anytime

Contrary to popular belief, you can still get a sunburn during non-summer months. “I see a lot of sunburns before Memorial Day and after Labor Day,” says Manhattan-based dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler. Check the heat index to ensure you’ll be fully prepared for a day in the sun, whether it’s during the summer or not. And remember that clouds don’t protect you, either. On overcast days, 80 percent of UV rays still make their way to you.

Sun Burn Safety Tips

Before you head out into the summer sun, take these tips to heart.

Sun Burn Safety Tips

Before you head out into the summer sun, take these tips to heart.